Food and Drink Academy opens for applications
Date published:
Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry is opening doors to fresh talent in September 2026. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), is proud to announce the application period for the Food and Drink Academy is now open.
With training delivery at Loughry Campus, Cookstown in conjunction with Northern Ireland food businesses, the Academy could be a gateway to an exciting career in a thriving sector.
The Food and Drink Academy is a unique ‘study first’ Apprenticeship programme designed for school leavers who want to combine university-level study with real-world food and drink industry experience. Students will spend their first year on campus at Loughry enjoying student life while building a strong academic foundation. They then progress into three years of blended study and work, gaining hands-on training with some of Northern Ireland’s leading food and drink companies. On completion of the programme, successful participants graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.
One of the key attractions of the course is that students earn while they learn. Learners on the Food and Drink Academy are employed from day one, receiving a salary of £22,000 per annum while completing their studies at Loughry Campus. They will build industry connections and develop their transferable skills with top local employers, setting themselves on a pathway for success. On completion of the four-year programme students will graduate with a degree and have four years of professional experience.
Some of Northern Ireland’s leading food and drink businesses are partnering with CAFRE and NIFDA in the Food and Drink Academy. Exciting job opportunities are available from September 2026 with Avondale Foods, Deli Lites, Dunbia, Foyle Food Group, Kerry Dairy Ireland, Leprino, McColgan’s, Mackle Petfoods, Pilgrims Europe, Strathroy Diaries and Wafer Ltd. Further information on the jobs roles is available on the CAFRE website.
The Food and Drink Academy offers ambitious school leavers a chance to step straight into a career that blends science, innovation, and creativity within Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector. Students will be supported by both CAFRE’s lecturing staff and trusted local employers, while also gaining financial independence. The Food and Drink Academy is more than a degree – it is a launchpad into one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic industries. With opportunities to study, earn, and grow, this is the perfect choice for ambitious young people ready to take their next step after school.
If you, or someone you know are completing A-levels this summer and are interested in gaining an Honours Degree with no academic fees and getting paid in the process, we are hosting an online webinar to discuss the Food and Drink Academy on Thursday 5 February at 7:00pm. For more information and to apply to the CAFRE-NIFDA Food and Drink Academy, please visit the CAFRE website.
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